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  1. #1
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    Jun 2018
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    Default Ancient (black) red gum

    G’day woodies, I was wondering if anyone knew where to get some ancient red gum from? I’m wanting a few pieces to make small legs (500x45-50sq). I’ve done plenty of googling but can’t find much at all, so I thought I’d ask the brains trust.

    Thanks!

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  3. #2
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    Apr 2015
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    Warragul Vic
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    Surprised you haven't had any offers of help or supply JW.
    I never had long lengths or milled wood in this species. I provided all the help I could.
    Like any red gum it must be kiln dried or you can be assured of a head aches due to movement. Some years ago I watched (and did a story of) a large table being made of it for a Sydney museum and felt the anguish as gaps opened up time during finishing and time again ... in what was said to be dry (ancient) red gum. Fine table legs in small sections will be less of a problem.

    Good luck
    Euge

  4. #3
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    I have some but the longest length is around 300mm.

    Why do you want it for legs anyway? You'd be better off using normal Redgum and ebonising it to suit.
    Neil
    ____________________________________________
    Every day presents an opportunity to learn something new

  5. #4
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    Default

    Thanks both for the comments. Euge, I’ve hopefully got an option just waiting on some pics and costs etc. hopefully it’ll work out.

    Dai Sensei, yes I agree that ebonising is an option for sure and it’s something I’ll look into if nothing should eventuate with the other option. In terms of why, I think it’s a personal preference and a similar question to ‘why buy a diamond when cut glass can look the same’ or ‘why have a Mercedes when you can have a Daewoo that’ll do the same thing’. The view of better off using a substitute is probably in the eye of the beholder and a preference I reckon. I’d like something different as it’ll be a special and sentimental gift. Pity yours in only 300mm long. I’m surprised as you usually seem to have it all.

  6. #5
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    JW, You could use Queen Ebony as a nice dense near black wood (not an ebony) but in the same Family (Myrtaceae) as Red Gum (ie the eucalypts).
    Its available from a guy in Qld not far from you and avilable in your sizes. An alternative suggestion

  7. #6
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    Thanks Euge. I ended up getting a bit of both. Some queen ebony and also half a slab of ancient red gum. The red gum is a bit thin at 42mm do storing that, while the ‘ebony’ is very large and I actually think I’ll use it for a cabinet on stand stand. So I’m thinking of options like Wenge or ebonising something like Jarrah which I understand has high tannin content?

  8. #7
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    Quote Originally Posted by jw2373 View Post
    .... ebonising something like Jarrah which I understand has high tannin content?
    If you use: steel wool/vinegar/old tea bag you can ebonise most timbers as the tea bag provides the tannins but most eucalypts or acacias ebonise well. I use Qld Blackwood most of the time because I have heaps
    Neil
    ____________________________________________
    Every day presents an opportunity to learn something new

  9. #8
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    Quote Originally Posted by jw2373 View Post
    Thanks Euge. I ended up getting a bit of both. Some queen ebony and also half a slab of ancient red gum. The red gum is a bit thin at 42mm do storing that, while the ‘ebony’ is very large and I actually think I’ll use it for a cabinet on stand stand. So I’m thinking of options like Wenge or ebonising something like Jarrah which I understand has high tannin content?
    Good you have choice now.

    You could use River Red Gum (modern kind) or your Forest Red Gum (your blue gum) both which have nice figure and which ebonise due to high tannin content. The red Gum can be difficulty ie warp & twist, contract / move unless kiln dried, Jarrah is suitable and more stable with a coarser wood but still nice.

    As ds says you can ebonise his way. Suggest you experiment first and it can be repeated until its dark enough.

    Euge

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